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| QBS stands for Qualifications Based Selection, which is the preferred method for selection of professional services. QBS is a negotiated, competitive procurement process for selection based on qualifications and competence in relation to the work to be performed. |
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| Professional services represent only a small percentage of the initial project cost; however, these services highly influence and affect the lifetime cost of the project. Studies show that selections based on qualifications result in higher quality and lower lifetime cost than selections based on price. more
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| Under QBS, professional service firms are weighed first on competence, creativity and performance, and second on negotiation of a fair and reasonable fee. The process begins with the owner establishing evaluation criteria and soliciting statements of qualifications from professional service firms. The owner reviews these statements on the basis of qualifications, experience, reputation, current workload, and any other project specific factors. The owner then selects the three to five most qualified firms to make brief presentations explaining their unique approach to the project. more |
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| The Indiana QBS Coalition promotes understanding and acceptance of the merits and benefits of procuring professional services using the qualifications based selection process. |
Underwater Inspection Contract for the Indiana Department of Transportation. Photo by Collins Engineers. |
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| In 1990, the American Council of Engineering Companies (ACEC), National Society of Professional Engineers (NSPE), and American Institute of Architects (AIA) awarded a grant to initiate a QBS program in the State of Indiana. Indiana, because of the solidarity of the local professional organizations, was the first state to receive the entire grant. more
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